UAE Zakat fund gives Dh31m this year

The Zakat Fund has distributed Dh31 million in the first four months of 2013, extending help to 5,381 people.

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ABU DHABI // The Zakat Fund has distributed Dh31 million of zakat money to more the 5,000 people in need during the first four months of the year.

Abdullah bin Aqeedah Al-Muhairy, secretary general of the Zakat Fund and head of the Zakat Distribution Committee, said the fund had distributed money to 5,381 recipients.

The fund is also considering adding new categories of people deserving of Zakat, he said.

One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat is the term for funds collected from those who donate a fixed small portion of their wealth to those in need. All practicing Muslims who have the means to do so are expected to pay Zakat.